cubic zirconia question

[ajwhite]

Hi all~

I just got a few cz's - I have seen them encased but will they stay on the surface of the bead without encasing? I'm doubting it but thought I'd ask before messing something up!

Thanks
Audra

[RSimmons]

I usually put a tiny dot of clear over CZs and melt it flat. They're still very close to the surface and won't jump off. I've never left one exposed, but I suspect that they might come loose.

Robert

[kbinkster]

I have not done this before, but I would think that you could leave it exposed if you make sure it can't pop out. Push the glass surrounding the cz so that it hugs it, overlapping the edge of the cz a little bit. Try one and see what happens.

[ajwhite]

Thanks for the tip about the drop of clear - didn't think about that! I'll try one and see!

Audra

[DarleenMB]

encasing the cz in clear makes it look even bigger and more sparkly. I use 2mm cz's and they're a PITA to deal with but once they're on the bead and fully encased they look MAHvelous.

[shawnette]

Yes. There are a couple of people here who leave them un-encased.

[Sue in Maine]

Sharing a tip on cz's that I found here (or was it WC?). Use a dab of elmer's glue on the end of a bent (& useless otherwise!) mandrel and stick the cz to it. When it dries, you have a great handle to apply the cz to the bead with.

The elmers burns off in a split second and leaves no residue.

I cover the cz with a dab of clear to. It magnifies it and keeps it safely within the bead.

Sue

[ajwhite]

Great tip with the glue! I have LOTS of bent mandrels! I tried last night with my tweezers and just could not get them to fall into place. Those suckers are tiny and slick! I'll try the glue trick tonight!

Audra

[dogsrlove]

Sharing a tip on cz's that I found here (or was it WC?). Use a dab of elmer's glue on the end of a bent (& useless otherwise!) mandrel and stick the cz to it. When it dries, you have a great handle to apply the cz to the bead with.

The elmers burns off in a split second and leaves no residue.

I cover the cz with a dab of clear to. It magnifies it and keeps it safely within the bead.

Sue

Yep, what Sue said. I do know someone who licks the end of her tool to snag a loose stone, and then sets it in. . . beats having to plan ahead.

Vanessa

[Sue in Maine]

Takes patience and easy on the glue dab. Too much and I'm pushing the cz back up. It's like a sloppy drunk, falling off over the end of the mandrel. lol

I put them in a glass jar.... might put rice in it to keep the mandrels from touching or leaning against each other.

Sue